Author: Premchand
Genre: Short Story
Summary:
In a remote village, there lived a simple and content farmer named Ghasi Ram. He had all that he needed – a small piece of land, a simple hut, and a loving wife. But one day, a traveling sadhu came to the village and started preaching about the importance of wealth. The sadhu claimed that money could grant him all the happiness and fulfillment he ever desired.
Ghasi Ram was enchanted by the sadhu's words. He began to think about all the things he could achieve if he had more money – a bigger house, better clothes, and a more comfortable life. Dissatisfaction crept into his heart, and he became obsessed with acquiring wealth.
One evening, the sadhu shared with Ghasi Ram a secret mantra. He claimed that if Ghasi Ram chanted the mantra daily with devotion, he would soon become wealthy. Excited and hopeful, Ghasi Ram began chanting the mantra every morning and evening.
Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months, but there was no sign of wealth coming Ghasi Ram's way. Despite his persistent chanting, he remained as poor as before. Disappointment and frustration set in, and his belief in the mantra wavered.
During this time, Ghasi Ram's wife fell ill. Unable to afford proper medical treatment, her condition worsened. Ghasi Ram was filled with anguish and guilt, realizing that his pursuit of wealth had come at the cost of his family's well-being.
In his moment of despair, Ghasi Ram stopped chanting the mantra. Instead, he took up a job as a laborer to earn money for his wife's treatment. Through hard work and dedication, he was able to save enough money for her treatment. His wife's health improved, and she was able to recover fully.
Ghasi Ram realized that true happiness and fulfillment did not come from wealth. It came from the love and well-being of his family and the satisfaction he derived from honest labor. He abandoned his pursuit of wealth and returned to his simple, contented life.
Key themes:
- Materialism vs. simplicity
- The pursuit of wealth
- The cost of ambition
- Family and love